Why I Embraced Islam?

By Dr. Shawki Futaki

In 1975, Dr. Shawki Futaki,
a 67 years old Japanese Director of one of the major hospitals in Tokyo,
the capital of Japan, embraced Islam. Before embracing Islam, Dr. Futaki
was a follower of Shintoism, the religion of the majority in Japan. Presently,
Dr. Futaki now presides over the Islamic Center in Tokyo.

This 67 year old practicing
physician and journalist is full of enthusiasm and vigor. He used to be the
editor of a widely circulated magazine called 'Sekai Jeep'. In 1971, after
a long-drawn medical practice trial Dr. Futaki was found guilty. His medical
license was suspended and imprisoned for three years. In prison, he spent
time reading books on philosophy, politics and religion.

Describing his feelings
while he was in jail, "Whenever I sat alone all by myself I felt that
the idea of the unity of creation would come to my mind. I used to think
of the Universe and its Creator. Then gradually I started to believe in the
Oneness of God. As my term ended, I discussed in depth with one of my close
Japanese Muslim friend named Abu Bakr Morimoto, the ex-president of the Japan
Islamic Association. Abu Bakr Morimoto used to come to me every time he launched
a contribution campaign to support the Islamic movement in Japan, and I would
always participate with conviction in such campaigns. Once Abu Bakr said:
Your deeds are exactly those of a good Muslim, why don't you embrace Islam?
I just smiled at him."

One day Mr. Morimoto said: "...the problem of the weakened people would be automatically solved
if only the religion of Islam should spread on the Earth. For Islam is the
religion of love and brotherhood." On hearing this, Dr. Futaki stood up
and said that he has decided to embrace Islam with another friend. They immediately
went to the Islamic Center in Tokyo and declared the Shahadah (reciting of
the kalimah - There is no God but one God and Mohammed is the Messenger of
God.)

After Dr. Futaki's release
from prison, he was rehabilitated in the medical profession. His clinic is
open seven days a week and he does not charge except within the insurance
coverage. He established the Nippon Islam Kyodan. Dr. Futaki is happy that
in Islam there is no priesthood as such. And he rightly understands that
it is incumbent upon every Muslim to propagate and preach Islam as far as
their abilities permit. The membership of his Islamic Society now runs into
tens of thousands.

Many observers think that
his conversion to Islam marks an important turning point in the history of
Islam in Japan. Recently, he led a big delegation from Japan to perform the
Hajj (pilgrimage) last year. May The Almighty bless him with more vigor and
enthusiasm to dedicate himself in The Almighty's Path.